Team Xray just revealed the latest update to their high performance 1/8th RC onroad racer, the RX8. The Xray RX8 2013 Edition features tons of parts including new low profile shocks with aluminum shock bodies, short shock springs and Delrin pistons, new fuel tank with redesigned interior baffles, new front and rear lowered shock towers, new reverse clutch set with redesigned clutchbell and ultra stable clutch springs and more! The 2013 RX8 also includes the optional lightweight front middle shaft and lightweight aluminum brake disk adapter. Tons of pictures after the jump!

Team Xray RX8 2103 Edition
The RX8 is a typical XRAY car, a premium, professional, high competition model racing car for the most demanding racers, developed and designed with attention to the smallest details. Manufactured from premium European materials, machined using state of the art Swiss and German machines and backed by premium service & support, the RX8 is a typical XRAY, a luxury masterpiece

Smooth flowing lines, distinctive design touches, all sculpted in lightweight platform – an expression of power, dramatic styling, superior technology, pure luxury and performance. With XRAY’s uncompromising design philosophy bringing everything together to make the best nitro on-road car, the RX8 has the unique XRAY character, born of precision craftsmanship and highest attention to detail. For drivers with an irrepressible drive to win, the RX8 is the answer.

All-new Fuel Tank
The fuel tank was completely redesigned and re-engineered. The internal baffles were added inside the fuel tank to ensure that the fuel will always be in the area around the fuel line intake so even in the fast and long corners the fuel will be constantly supplied to the engine which results into more stable performance of the engine.

The 125cc fuel tank with hypertonic tank lid and internal stone-type filter is positioned in the center of the car, and features a unique low-profile design to allow the fuel tank to sit as low as possible. Rubber mounting grommets help to reduce vibration. The special composite mixture used in the molded tank guarantees it to be extremely strong and robust. Gluing of the tank pieces is performed by a special self-developed robotic system that ensures maximum accuracy and precision in pre-heating and gluing.

All-new Low Profile (LP) Shocks
RX8 shock absorbers were completely redesigned and re-engineered. The new LP shocks from RX8 are almost all fully compatible with the T4 shocks except the aluminum shock body, shock shafts, shock ball joints and springs have been modified for nitro on-road car. RX8 shocks are almost fully compatible with the NT1 2013 spec shocks, only the shock ball joints and spring hardness are different.

The new LP shocks were developed to lower the CG of the car in order to improve stability.
With the new LP shocks the RX8 stays flatter, making it easier to drive in chicanes and more resistant to traction roll, letting you carry more speed through high traction sweepers. Shock rods have been specifically hardened to ensure long life and maximum strength. To accommodate the all-new Low Profile (LP) shock absorbers, all-new pistons were designed and produced. The set of pistons include 3 and 4 hole pistons with 1.1, and 1.2, and 1.3 mm diameter holes. The pistons are molded using special methods from Delrin material to ensure extreme roundness, while maintaining maximum stiffness and durability.

The shock bodies are CNC machined from premium Swiss 7075 T6 aluminum and hardened to ensure maximum life. The shocks consist of a shortened shock body but with a larger diameter to retain the same volume of oil as the previous, longer RX8 shocks. Both front are rear shock absorbers have front and lower ball joints purposely left larger to provide a little of play for the shocks once mounted in order to generate more traction. The threaded shock bodies enable quick & easy ride height adjustment. The shocks feature low profile membranes for super smooth and precise damping. Both front are rear shock absorbers have front and lower ball joints by purpose larger to provide a little of play of the shocks once mounted to generate more traction.

All-new Short Shock Springs
The all-new 3S springs have been specifically designed to complement the LP shocks and the rear springs are 4mm shorter than previous RX8 springs. The RX8 comes equipped with C7.5 springs in the front to provide maximum stability and steering and C5.0 springs in the rear to provide maximum traction and cornering speed. The front and rear springs now have the same length in order to get more in-corner steering and simplify your tuning parts selection. The 3S springs, like all the other XRAY springs, are manually measured, selected and matched into pairs to guarantee precisely equal length and damping characteristics.

All-new Shock Towers
To maximize the effect of the new LP shocks, both front and rear shock towers were completely redesigned and lowered by 2.5mm in rear and 5mm in front to help move the CG as low as possible. Machined from premium-grade 3.0mm graphite, the shock towers are smaller, lighter, more compact and, after vigorous testing, have been race-tuned to increase on-power steering.

The new Ultra Stable Clutch Spring has very similar characteristics to the #348540 Conical Clutch Washer Spring Set. The main difference is that the new ultra stable clutch spring works in a wider range of conditions and is easier to install. In order to eliminate spring deformation during use, the spring was pre-compressed as part of the production process. This results in the spring having a slightly shorter length. The length and characteristics of the spring will remain consistent even after a long period of use.

All-new Front Bumper
The new front lower bumper was redesigned for increased durability & reliability but, almost importantly, to achieve higher performance of the car. The new downforce deflectors create increased downforce. The downforce of the car can be easily controlled and adjusted with the bumper outer window inserts which can be removed. The front upper bumper holder was redesigned as well to increase the durability and to withstand serious crashes. Front upper and lower composite bumpers are made from a special composite material to withstand hard impacts.

All-new Rear Body Holders
The rear body mount holder was redesigned and an extra body mount position was added which allows the body to be mounted higher. The body mount was also reinforced for increased reliability and durability.

All-new Muffler Mounting
The muffler mounting system is all new. The new aluminum muffler holder is mounted to the left bulkhead. The new extra long muffler wire fits all the standard mufflers. The front left bulkhead was updated and redesigned to fit the new muffler mounting system as well.

Larger 2-Speed Ball-Bearing
The rear 2-speed ball-bearing is larger for increased durability and reliability. The rear right bulkhead was redesigned and updated to accommodate the larger 2-speed ball-bearing.

Stronger Servo Saver
The new adjustable stronger servo saver spring ensures more precise and increased steering as well improved steering response. The servo saver shaft is now machined from steel and ensures increased reliability and strength. The centralized servo saver is ball-raced to ensure super-precise, smooth operation. Easily-adjustable 4 position Ackermann allows you to adjust the steering characteristics to suit your driving style and track conditions.

Reinforced Bushing
An all new steel bushing for the belt tensioner also serves as a centering bushing at the rear center plate. The bushing is reinforced and stronger to ensure increased reliability of the belt tensioner as well of the centering plate.

Lightweight Parts
To improve efficiency, the RX8 features the lightweight front middle shaft manufactured from HUDY Spring Steel™ and lightweight brake disk adapter which have reduced weight but still sufficient strength to transfer the power from the engine to the wheels. These lightweight components and super smooth drive train help provide the RX8 with a distinct advantage in drivetrain power transfer.

XRAY Multi-Flex
When it comes to setting new standards in the RC industry, XRAY is always at the forefront for bringing new and innovative engineering ideas and solutions, raising the bar and quickly becoming a new market standard for others to follow. XRAY’s innovative Multi-Flex Technology (MFT) was originally designed for 1/10 electric touring cars, and has resulted in some of the most significant milestones in touring car development in the past few years. This innovation not only received numerous awards and honors, but it has proven to be a distinct competitive advantage at racetracks worldwide… helping XRAY dominate races at local and national levels.

The RX8 was the first 1/8 scale nitro on-road car featuring the multi-flex system. The smart design of the RX8 chassis allows for the mounting of additional weights or stiffeners for complete chassis adjustment. Whether you need to add weight or stiffen the front or rear, you have a choice of optional front/central/rear machined brass weights and front/central/ rear graphite stiffeners. At the front of the car, both the brass weight and graphite insert can be mounted either fixed or flexible to avoid undesired stiffening effect.

Chassis Multi-Flex
The RX8 was the first 1/8 scale nitro on-road car featuring the multi-flex system. The smart design of the RX8 chassis allows for the mounting of additional weights or stiffeners for complete chassis adjustment. Whether you need to add weight or stiffen the front or rear, you have a choice of optional front/central/rear machined brass weights and front/central/ rear graphite stiffeners. At the front of the car, both the brass weight and graphite insert can be mounted either fixed or flexible to avoid undesired stiffening effect.

Radio Plate Multi-Flex
The flex of the radio plate can be adjusted independently from the chassis flex which allows super fine tuning. Using the bushings in the back the radio plate can be mounted to the mounts either fixed or with a flex. It is suggested to use the flex setting for low traction tracks as the softer car will generate more traction. The fixed radio plate mounting is suggested for high traction conditions.

Front optional graphite radio plate allows stiffening the front part of radio plate and changes the flex characteristics of radio plate as well. Radio plate without brace allows a lot of in corner steering. The brace makes the car more stable and easier to drive under high grip conditions or when the tire additive is used.

The muffler mounting system was redesigned as well. The muffler mounting is not attached to the radio plate anymore which eliminates the negative flex influence. Now the radio plate flexes more equally to both sides which improves consistency and, as it allows more flex in the front, also provides for more in-corner steering.

Premium & Exclusive Materials
The RX8 is luxury model racing car and as such features only the most premium materials: premium woven graphite – exclusive top-secret HUDY Spring Steel – high grade Swiss 7075 T6 – high-tensile heat-treated steel and aircraft aluminum – and XRAY’s self-developed and formulated composite compounds, unique to XRAY and the RX8. Color of the parts may vary from the shown picture. Some parts in some kits may be silver and not orange as shown.

Chassis
The lightweight chassis is CNC machined from 5mm thick premium Swiss 7075 T6 aluminum and is strategically machined in low-stress areas to make it as light as possible without affecting strength or rigidity. All screw holes on the bottom of the chassis are countersunk, allowing for a very smooth chassis underside with no protruding screw heads.

The outer edges of the chassis have been beveled and screw holes have been countersunk in order to provide a smooth lower surface. Provisions have been made to accommodate graphite reinforcing inserts or additional balancing weights, front and rear to tune chassis stiffness, balance and CG. The area under the engine has been strategically vented to improve engine cooling without sacrificing chassis strength and rigidity.

Radio Plate
The radio plate is CNC machined from 2.5mm graphite material and the design allows for the easy removal of the entire radio plate (with all electronics) for quick & easy servicing and cleaning. The unique compact lightweight radio case features a clean design and layout. The radio case is attached to the side of the radio plate and will fit any standard-size receiver and an optional on/off switch with water-resistant rubber cover.

Battery Access
The receiver battery pack can be easily removed from below the fuel tank by a quick access composite cover at the bottom of the chassis. Optional graphite cover contains a special CNC machined pocket in which to place the batteries, allowing the batteries to sit as low as possible. The main feature of the graphite cover is its integrated Multi-Flex Technology functionality to additionally reinforce the chassis in the vertical plane.

The optional graphite cover is also recommended for use with a LiPo receiver pack. An optional brass battery holder adds weight to the bottom of the car. Multi-Flex Technology allows the mounting of the optional brass or graphite battery holders either affixed directly to the chassis or mounted independently from the chassis.

Adjustable Fuel Tank Height
The 5-cell receiver battery pack is located beneath the fuel tank help create the lowest CG. Using the optional micro-size receiver battery pack allows the fuel tank to be lowered by another 3mm, creating an even lower platform.

Engine Mounts
The quick-set engine mounts are CNC machined from premium high-strength aircraft aluminum. The engine mount has a fixed position for super-easy engine installation and gear mesh adjustment.

Gear Mesh Adjustment
The engine mount design allows you to set and fix the engine position for optimum gear mesh adjustment. After initial gear mesh is set, the engine position is permanently set; the engine can be installed/reinstalled at any time without any need for re-adjusting the gear mesh.

Bulkheads
The bulkheads are the backbone of the car where all the main parts and suspension are mounted, so the flex of the bulkheads has a significant influence on the suspension, handling, and performance of the car. The RX8 features super-lightweight composite bulkheads with a very clean and lightweight design to create the lowest weight and CG, making the RX8 easy to service while allowing easy access to all parts. The bulkheads create a super-solid platform where all parts are mounted; a special composite mixture was developed to allow repeated assembly/disassembly cycles without stressing or wearing the parts.

Brake System
A strong, highly-efficient brake system is created thanks to focusing on all of the smallest details. The laser-cut, precision flat-ground ventilated steel brake disk allows fade-free braking in conjunction with the special high-grip brake pads installed on the laser-cut brake plates. The brake disk is small and slim, making it very light.

The precision hand-grinding on flat grinding machine allows true, wobble-free rotation. Brake inputs are transferred precisely to the brakes thanks to the ball-raced super-smooth brake cam. A steel cam is used for better durability and both brake disk and brake pads are specially heat treated for maximum lifespan.
The specially-glued pads are resistant to high heat. The brake disk features extra-deep machined grooves making it very light and the split design allows maximum heat absorption.. The ventilating holes are by design outside of the brake pad area to ensure maximum contact of the pads with the disk. Two spacing springs ensure a proper gap is maintained between the brake pads to reduce parasitic drag and heat build-up..

Drivetrain
The RX8 drivetrain is the world’s smoothest and most efficient 1/8 on-road drivetrain. Thanks to the construction of all drivetrain parts, the transmission is super smooth with minimal friction. From the small lightweight axles, through the efficient ratio and optimized pulleys, to the high-speed lightly-oiled bearings and lightweight drivetrain parts, all is specifically designed for the maximum efficiency.

Drive Shafts
The tiny drive shafts are manufactured from HUDY Spring Steel, the most effective drive shaft material by the industry leader HUDY. The self-developed HUDY Spring Steel™ ensures longest drive shaft life, maximum strength, and lowest weight. The front of RX8 is driven by CVD driveshafts, while standard dogbones are used in the rear. Hardened with a proprietary hardening process, the drive shafts provide unbeatable lifetime and reliability.

Axles
The front 1-way and rear solid axle are small and light, ensuring super-low rotating mass and lowest CG. The super lightweight front 1-way bearing is inserted directly in the axle. The axle body is manufactured from Swiss 7075 T6 . The rear composite lightweight axle pulley is inserted on 1-piece solid HUDY Spring Steel axle. All of the outdrives are manufactured from HUDY Spring Steel™ and are specially ground for maximum precision. All pulleys have self-cleaning holes.

Outdrives
All axle outdrives and wheel axles are manufactured from premium HUDY Spring Steel™ which has been additionally hand ground for maximum precision and easy fit. These parts have unmatched lifespan and maximum strength to withstand the tremendous forces generated by today’s modern nitro engines.

Pulleys
All pulleys are molded from a special composite mixture to ensure ultra-low friction operation, efficient and strong tooth profiles, and high lifespan. Pulley covers feature self-cleaning holes.

PUR Drive Belts
The drivetrain is operated by PUR®-reinforced high-efficiency low-friction drive belts, which ensure that all power is properly and efficiently transferred to all drivetrain parts.

2-speed Transmission
The 2-speed transmission parts are installed on a precision-manufactured super-smooth lightweight hollow middle layshaft made from tough HUDY shaft steel for 2-speed, which is additionally heat treated for extra strength and long life. The 2-speed gear adapter is CNC machined from Swiss 7075 T6 for precision fitment of the 1-way bearing, and allowing super-precise and wobble-free installation of spur gears. The high-quality 1-way bearing is hand-ground before installation for maximum running precision and strength. The 2-speed adapter is manufactured from hardened steel.

Spur Gears
Precision molded spur gears are made from XRAY’s exclusive secret blend of plastic, allowing the gears to run true, be super quiet and robust enough to handle the power of a modern nitro engine. The spur gears are molded with a special technique allowing the gears to be absolutely true thus improving the drivetrain efficiency. Each gear is stamped with a tooth number for easy identification.

Belt Tensioner
The adjustable side belt tensioner is captured on a graphite plate mounted to the side of the radio plate holder. The smart design allows the side belt tensioner to be easily adjusted, or easily removed for engine removal.

Suspension Geometry
The RX8 features the most advanced, race-engineered suspension geometry for nitro on-road car racing and is designed to provide responsive racing characteristics in all racing conditions. Over the years XRAY has successfully gained and utilized extensive suspension geometry knowledge and self-developed suspension stiffness technology, which have been utilized with great success in electric & nitro cars, both on- and off-road. The ultra-lightweight suspension parts are molded from special composite materials that make the parts very light yet very durable to withstand the rigors of high-performance racing.

Integrated Suspension Settings
The design of the RX8 features I.S.S. (Integrated Suspension Settings™). All adjustment possibilities are completely integrated, allowing complete set-up changes without changing or replacing any parts. The use of square eccentric bushings in the front upper bulkheads, as well as in the rear bulkheads for upper & lower suspension, allows for complete geometry adjustment. Roll centers are adjustable in the standard upper & lower positions, as well as in inner and outer positions. High-tensile steel suspension pivot pins are polished for smooth suspension action.

Adjustable Axle Height
Front steering block and rear uprights feature centric and eccentric bushings which allow roll center adjustment as well as positive caster adjustment in front. The eccentric bushings in the rear upright also allow independent wheelbase adjustment. The height of front and rear axles can be easily adjusted with eccentric bushings.

Offset Adjustment
Wheel offset is easily adjustable by 0.5–2.5mm using included shims. This affects steering adjustment (when adjusted at the front) and also rear traction characteristics (when adjusted at the rear).

When less offset is used in the front, car gets more in-corner steering and steering response is improved, recommended for small technical tracks. More offset makes the car more stable and easier to drive on large tracks or under high grip conditions.

When less offset is used in the rear, car gets more in-corner steering but less rear traction and stability, therefore it is recommended to use less offset on small technical tracks or under high traction conditions. More offset in rear makes the car more stable and improves cornering speed.

Suspension Arms
Suspension arms are one of the most important parts of any RC model car, as they directly influence the handling and racing characteristics of the car. The RX8 suspension arms are the result of long-term tests of different designs and layouts. Length, thickness, flexibility, geometry of suspension points and materials used… these are all the concepts and details that had to be thoroughly reviewed to create the optimum suspension arms. The exclusive composite mixture used for suspension arms is a perfect balance between reliability and performance. The suspension arm itself is rigid enough to provide a responsive feel, yet soft enough to provide extreme durability.

Steering Blocks
The tiny yet tough steering blocks are molded from a special composite mixture for maximum strength. Thanks to the perfect quality, bearings fit into the steering block perfectly without any extra play for maximum stability and steering of the car. The kit includes 0 king pin steering blocks, +1 and -1 degree king pin steering blocks can be purchased optionally. +1 king pin improves cornering speed and out-of-corner steering while decreases in-corner steering which makes the car less edgy. -1 king pin improves in-corner steering and decreases out of corner steering.

Rear Uprights
The very compact rear uprights are small in size but, thanks to the special composite mixture used, are also very strong. Thanks to the perfect quality, bearings fit into the steering block without any extra play for maximum stability and steering of the car. The rear uprights feature two easily-adjustable upper roll center positions which are used for traction adjustment. The uprights feature two body mount adjustment positions depending on the type of body. Also incorporated are shorter and longer pivot ball joints for optimum set-up adjustment.

Pivot Balls
The RX8 pivot ball suspension contains precision pivot balls which are specially hardened for enhanced lifespan and can withstand hard crashes. A total of eight (8) pivot balls are included and are captured by strong M10 composite nuts to minimize weight. The standard pivot balls are made from steel for maximum durability and life span. For those who are focused minimizing unsprung weight, optional lightweight aluminum pivot balls are available.